Literature is ditched from French A-level

Teenagers will be able to score top marks in a new French A-level without reading a single novel or poem.

The new course will leave sixthformers free to ditch authors such as Albert Camus and still achieve the new A* grade. Instead, they will have the choice of answering questions on French politics or religion.

The move came despite government promises to make A-levels harder.

A new A* grade is being introduced for courses beginning next month, along with more stretching questions.

A spokesman for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said: "All language A-levels require candidates to study aspects of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries whose language is being studied." But he confirmed that this does not have to include literature.